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WORKTECH London 2024 special edition focused on the practical applications of the growing use of digital tech and how it is helping shape how, where and when work takes place
The Future is Here, was the opening salvo from Futurist and Author Ajay Chowdhury at WORKTECH London Special Edition held at 22 Bishopsgate in London on November 20th. Judging by the enthusiasm of the speakers and the energy in the room, the age of AI has arrived. The ‘special edition’ was styled as a festival format, with the conference element condensed into one day following a series of external events including sector specific roundtables and tours of some of London’s most inspiring buildings.
For those in FM the big question is how will AI impact physical spaces? In a panel discussion on ‘AI what’s coming next’, whether it describes virtual receptionists or automated catering, Jeremy Coleman of Norton Rose Fulbright argued that services are being “done by people for people” and if we value personal interaction, we mustn’t lose the human side.
In his talk on the latest digital trends in real estate, Andy Targell of JLL warned against ‘shoving a load of apps’ at occupiers without changing how we’re working, but instead “just digitising the process”. He recommended three priorities for corporate real estate, establish clear and measurable business goals, empower teams to leverage technology and design a technology blueprint that can adapt to change.
CLOSER TO HOME
How close are different types of people to the things they need? Catherine Gall of the IAE Paris Sorbonne School was joined virtually by Carlos Moreno Researcher, Scientist, author of the 15-Minute City to discuss work location and its impact on community and urban planning. Moreno explained a 10, 15 or 20-Minute City is shorthand for places which offer essential services at a reasonable distance from where people live. By ensuring amenities are accessible by foot or bike these neighbourhoods can help prioritise human needs, promote health, social connection and local vitality.
As Jeremy Myerson Director, WORKTECH Academy reflected, case studies demonstrate the delivery and implementation of the best office buildings, that pull together place, people and technology. GSK’s new home in central London, explained Chris Higgins, Head Workplace and Max Jennings of ART Health Solutions offers spaces for people to meet, energise teams and attract the best people. The presentation also emphasised the importance of early change management to gauge user reactions. This is why a mock environment was created to collect real-time feedback on everything from the quality of the lighting and ventilation to the benefits of curved computer monitors.
The GSK team’s belief in the importance of workplace science in measuring the impact of the environment on occupants was echoed in the talk by Jane Watson of XY Sense on the use of metrics to help reinforce strategic decisions. While the endpoint is in having a frictionless workplace automated through smart building controls she explained, it also improves our understanding of where and how we make the changes. She took for example, using sensor data as “proof” to reframe a conversation with employees about the reasons for closing an office floor on a Friday.
NEW ERA
During a wide-ranging panel discussion moderated by Esme Banks-Marr of BVN Architecture, Sol Enenmoh Head of AI at HSBC, pointed out that we’re now in the third era of computing. The first was the Internet, the second Smart Phones and the third era is not just AI but cloud computing, quantum computing, block chain, meta and robotics. However, the panel agreed, these technologies must reach a tipping point where they become ubiquitous to significantly change how we live. They also stressed the importance of evaluating technologies by the problem they solve for users, rather than their features alone.
Reflecting the new era of hybrid working, Dan Drogman of Smart Spaces explained how the world’s smartest skyscraper 22 Bishopsgate, is using digital technology to help build community. While the adoption of mobile apps to enable users to access the site is convenient, once people are together online the technology is there to help bring people together in person. The result is tech which drives much of the activity in the building, from pre-ordering lunch to joining social events – all helping to create a sense of belonging.
DATA DECISIONS
The final expert panel debate of the day focused on an area of growing importance, the use of data, sensors and benchmarking for workplace innovation. As an example, lighting expert Jess Costanzo revealed that sensors at one site showed users were automatically dimming meeting room lighting – so by reducing the luminance, costs went down by half.
Despite the positives, the panel raised concerns about the sustainability and cost implications of collecting large amounts of data from IoT devices in buildings and how to determine if any valuable data has been collected.
The conclusion is we’re still on a digital learning curve, or as Myerson pointed out in his conference round up, “AI is kind of leading us now, and we need to lead the AI.” What is much more positive is that digital innovation is bringing science to the subjectivity of space. Proof positive for FMs making data-led decisions.
